Friends,

I had a completely different email ready for you this week. Playgrounds, weekend picks, Ramadan events, and a spring break preview.

Then the alerts started.

Operation Epic Fury has changed the rhythm of daily life across the UAE. Interceptions in the sky, and emergency alerts on our phones. School from home and airport disruptions have become second nature.

This is not normal — and I won’t pretend it is.

What this newsletter will be, especially right now, is simple: clear, verified information for parents. No rumors. No screenshots. No speculation. Just what’s confirmed, what’s open, what’s closed, and what helps.

If you have a parent friend who needs that kind of update, forward this to them. We’ll continue sending calm, useful information as things evolve.

SCHOOLS: SPRING BREAK MOVED FORWARD

JUST ANNOUNCED by the UAE Ministry of Education:

• Last day of school: Friday, March 6 (distance learning continues through then)
• Spring break now runs: March 9 – March 22
• School resumes: Monday, March 23

The original break was March 16–29. It’s been moved forward.

Some parents feel relieved. Some feel frustrated. Either way, this is the updated schedule for now. Monitor your school’s official communications for specifics.

WHAT’S CLOSED (as of March 4 – check official channels before visiting)

Attractions & Entertainment:
• Global Village
• Dubai Parks & Resorts
• Ain Dubai
• Jebel Jais activities (RAK)
• All Apple Stores in the UAE
• Ramadan drone shows (postponed)
• Many outdoor Ramadan festivals, including Dubai Festival City events

Travel:
Operations are evolving daily.

• Dubai International (DXB): Limited operations resuming. Only go if your airline confirms your flight.
• Abu Dhabi International (AUH): Limited operations. Verify before traveling.

Emirates, Etihad, and FlyDubai are updating routes individually. Some residents are flying from Fujairah, Oman, or Saudi Arabia — check directly with your carrier.

WHAT’S OPEN

Essential services:
• Hospitals & clinics
• Pharmacies
• Grocery stores & supermarkets
• Dubai Metro, buses, water taxis
• Banks & ATMs

Retail & Dining:
• Major malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre locations, Ibn Battuta, Dubai Hills, Mercato, Palm Jumeirah Mall, etc.)
• Most restaurants & cafés (dine-in + delivery)

Note: Individual attractions within malls (ice rinks, cinemas, VR parks, fountains) may have adjusted hours—call ahead.

Parks & Beaches:
Public parks and beaches remain accessible. Check individual venues for updates.

Upcoming Events:
Late March and April concerts and shows are still listed as scheduled (including Wu-Tang Clan, Josh Groban, Keinemusik, OFFLIMITS Festival, Christina Aguilera). Mary Poppins continues at Etihad Arena.

Monitor venue websites and social accounts for updates.

WHAT AUTHORITIES ARE SAYING

The National Emergency Crisis & Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advises residents to continue their usual activities while exercising caution and to follow official updates.

This is not a lockdown.

It is a stay-aware, stay-informed situation.

Different families will handle this differently:

• Some will stay home
• Some will go out only when needed
• Some will keep routines steady for their kids

All of those are valid.

Make the decision that feels right for your family.

OFFICIAL SOURCES (ignore the noise, use these only)

For real-time updates:

Also monitor:

• Your child’s school communications + Ministry of Education
• Your embassy website for travel advisories

Emergency numbers to save:
999 – Police
998 – Ambulance
997 – Fire
901 – Dubai Police non-emergency

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS

They’ve heard the alerts. They’ve seen your face when your phone buzzes.

For younger kids (3–8):
Keep it simple. “There’s some trouble happening, but we’re safe. Grown-ups are working to keep everyone safe.”
Stick to routines, and limit news exposure.

For older kids (9–14):
Be honest but calm. Answer questions directly. Give them clarity about your family’s plan if an alert sounds.

For teens:
Acknowledge that social media can amplify fear. Encourage breaks from doomscrolling. And check in without interrogating.

Across all ages:
Predictability helps.
Wake times. Meals. Bedtime. Movement. Structure is always helpful.

IF YOU HEAR AN EMERGENCY ALERT

• Do not go outside to film
• Move into the nearest secure building
• Stay inside until the all-clear
• Follow official channels only

If driving:
• Pull over safely
• Find covered or underground parking
• Wait for confirmation before continuing

A NOTE ON MENTAL HEALTH

If you’re feeling anxious — that’s normal.
If you’re not sleeping well — that’s normal.
If you’re refreshing the news every five minutes — that’s normal.

But you don’t have to carry it alone.

Free, confidential support lines:

800-HOPE (800 4673) – 8am–8pm (WhatsApp available)
800-SAKINA (800 725462) – 24/7

Take breaks from the news. Put the phone down. Go for a walk — in your building, at a mall, in a park — wherever feels steady. Play something silly with your kids.

You cannot be the calm presence they need if you are running on empty.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

We don’t know yet.

Spring break runs through March 22. Schools are scheduled to resume on March 23. That may change depending on how things develop.

Here’s what we do know:
• Emergency systems are active
• Essential services are operating
• Schools will communicate directly
• Official updates are ongoing

And we’ll keep doing what we do — but adjusted for the moment.

That means:
• Verified updates when needed
• Safe things to do with kids
• At-home spring break ideas
• Streaming picks worth your sanity
• Resources that make this easier

If this email helped you feel even 5% more clear about what’s happening, forward it to another parent. That’s how this community grows.

We’re all figuring this out together.

— Parves
Goo Goo Gang